How to Avoid That Post-Vacation Work Slump
As we’ve learned, spring break isn’t just for college kids, you guys — the post-college crowd can get in on the action too. And while your partying-on-the-beach days might be behind you, it’s still a great idea to plan a girlfriends getaway to rest and rejuvenate. The only problem is risking that post-vacation work slump. You know the one: You find yourself daydreaming, wishing you were still on the beach and generally just not being as productive as you could (and should) be. Whether you’re about to plan a trip and want to prevent the slump, or you just got back and the struggle is real, try out some of these super helpful tips from Sylvana Rochet, career coach and productivity goddess.
1. Plan your trip wisely. If you’re using a getaway as a chance to recharge, you need to make sure you’re planning everything out accordingly, so that you can come back refreshed and more productive than ever. “I spent a lot of time in my twenties going on vacations — quote unquote — with either family or friends or my partner, but vacations that I didn’t really find recharging because maybe it was partying or it was going to be super active — let’s bike, hike and do all these amazing sorts of things every day — and that wasn’t necessarily what I needed,” Sylvana says.
2. Unplug. While you’re on your trip, make sure you’ve left the things that stress you out at home. “Do not work while you’re away. You’re basically going to negate the benefits of that break if you’re staying on top of things while you’re away,” says Sylvana. “If you plan your vacation way in advance, you can shift your deadlines, delegate and inform everybody that you’re going to be out for this time. You can move things around easily.”
3. Prevent being overwhelmed. We all know the feeling of opening up your inbox after a few days off and being greeted with what feels like millions of emails, all of them urgent. Sylvana says it’s important to not only prioritize, but be patient with yourself too. She says, “When you get back, your inbox is going to be full. There’s going to be a full list of to-dos. It’s important to filter what is actually important or urgent and needs immediate attention and start prioritizing. Don’t dive into your pile of things without categorizing them. Not everything is going to be due on the day that you get back, so make sure that you give yourself a few days to sort through it.”
4. Make things fun. The fun doesn’t have to stop just because you’re back to work! “I like to take myself to a fancy cafe and have a fancy coffee, maybe sit outside in the sun,” Sylvana tells us. “If I’m going to work at home, I’ll make sure to put on some music. I’ll take a long walk. So we want to still keep that fun energy with us as we’re easing back into work. You don’t want to have too much cold and hot.”
5. Get back into a routine ASAP. While you’re keeping things fun, make sure you’re getting back to business too. “I know a lot of people these days have morning routines,” Sylvana says. “And I’m so used to my routine that my mind knows, ‘Okay, by 9am, you’re ready to be at your desk and work.’ So my mind has already associated those things. When you get back from your break, get back into that routine ASAP, and then your mind is basically primed to get back to work.”
6. Don’t fight the weather. “There’s a reason why our bodies crave being outside at certain times of the year. There’s a reason why we have a desire to not necessarily sit there for hours on end,” she says. “When I was living in New York City (where we do have seasons), and when the weather was warming up, I would start my day maybe an hour or two earlier, and then take longer breaks during the day or take off work earlier so I could spend that time outside. So instead of trying to fight it, rearrange your schedule.”
Which of these tips are you going to try out? Tweet us your thoughts @BritandCo!
(Photo via Sylvana Rochet, Brit + Co)